The 4 Best Bug Repellents of 2024 Reviews by Wirecutter

Table Of Content

• How we choose the best mosquito repellents
• Bug Control Gear That Actually Works
• Best overall: OFF! Deep Woods Bug Spray
• STEM 12-fl oz Ants Roaches and Flies Repellent and Killer Home and Perimeter Indoor/Outdoor Bug Spray
• Thermacell E55 E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
• Also great: Thermacell EX90 Mosquito Repellent
• Your yard can help avert the insect apocalypse. Here’s how.

But rather than treating them with chemical pesticides, you can deter unwanted pests from disturbing your garden by growing plants that naturally repel bugs. Many plants have special properties, like a strong scent or compounds, that are unappealing to common garden pests. Growing them in your garden acts as a natural pesticide while adding beauty and fragrance to your yard.

How we choose the best mosquito repellents

By a wide margin, DEET is in most EPA-registered insect repellents — over 500 products feature it as an active ingredient (in second place is IR355 with about 45 products and in third is picaridin with more than 40). But on a breezy day, in a larger open space, or in other situations where the E90 won’t work for you, there’s no reason you couldn’t combine fans with a personal application of an effective bug repellent. If you like the idea of a spatial repellent, but the above items are lacking a certain pizzazz you’re seeking, we also like the Tiki BiteFighter LED String Lights. These look like traditional string lights, but there are spatial repellent diffusers interspersed among the bulbs. So depending on how the strand is set up, a 12-by-12-foot patio could be completely protected.

Bug Control Gear That Actually Works

The Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent is the most convenient, easy-to-use spatial repellent we found, and it’s nearly as good at stopping mosquitoes from bothering you as a full application of a spray repellent. Compared with similar designs, the E90 is easier to refill and recharge, longer lasting, and more convenient to live with, and it doesn’t present the hazards that some other options do. Note that it won’t stop every single mosquito from getting you, its coverage area is limited, and it loses efficacy in windy conditions—but all spatial repellents share those flaws. The E90 replaces our previous pick, the Thermacell E55, which is identical but has a shorter battery life—5½ hours versus the E90’s nine hours. For the most comprehensive and integrated approach to mosquito control, we like the Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System.

Best overall: OFF! Deep Woods Bug Spray

If you have naturally oily skin or will be sweating outdoors more than usual, then this non-greasy mosquito repellent is the one for you. For those with a sensitivity to DEET or those who just prefer a DEET-free mosquito repellent, we recommend the EarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent. We like that the spray nozzle has a wide yet even range, while the formula is moisturizing without feeling greasy. It’s also one of the longest-lasting on our list, with up to 14-hour protection from mosquitoes and ticks and eight-hour protection from biting flies, gnats, and chiggers. If you’re looking for a reliable and effective mosquito repellent, our top recommendation is Off! We love that it doesn’t have a strong odor and doesn’t feel greasy on the skin—it can even be applied to your clothes, too.

STEM 12-fl oz Ants Roaches and Flies Repellent and Killer Home and Perimeter Indoor/Outdoor Bug Spray

Also, indoor pill bug infestations can attract other bugs, like centipedes, and damage indoor plants. Finding water bugs in the home can be startling, but this does not have to be a permanent problem. Identifying where water bugs are nesting, putting down chemicals or traps, sealing up entry points, and staying on top of prevention has worked for scores of homeowners in the past. But if all else fails, or the problem feels overwhelming, one of the best cockroach exterminators will know how to keep water bugs away for good. It takes commitment and vigilance to keep water bugs from staging a counterattack, but it’s worth the effort to purge the home of this creepiest of all crawlies.

Ehrlich’s approach to pest control is commendable for its emphasis on environmental sustainability, opting for control methods that reduce pesticide use. The offer of free pest and home inspections allows for personalized and effective pest management plans, tailored to each customer’s specific needs. The majority of customers had great things to say about Terminix pest control.

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Does Bug Spray Expire? HowStuffWorks - HowStuffWorks

Does Bug Spray Expire? HowStuffWorks.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Single treatments in preparation for an event at your home generally cost between $250 and $600. Pest specific control such as the cost of termite treatment typically ranges from $230 to $930 for most services, for roaches you’ll typically pay around $250 for the cost of a cockroach exterminator. This depends on the level of infestation and can reach up to $7,000 for house tenting and fumigation. We’re particularly impressed by Modern Pest’s SMART pest control solution, an advanced system that not only captures rodents but also alerts technicians for immediate action, enhancing efficiency and response time.

Also great: Thermacell EX90 Mosquito Repellent

For those who prefer to use the sun as a renewable pest-repellent source, the Careland mole repellent screws could be the answer. These solar-powered pest repellents emit an ultrasonic frequency every 115 seconds to keep moles and other pests from hanging out in the backyard. It’s worth noting that the aerosol spray nozzle distributes the product very well, and it has a dry finish that is neither sticky nor greasy. This is especially beneficial when using this DEET-free repellent at the beach, as we did, as it prevents sand or dirt from adhering to your arms and legs. Our experts have also tried Wondercide's Insect Repellant, which uses a similar plant-based formula in a convenient 4-ounce bottle.

We like that just a pea-sized amount of this lotion was enough to evenly cover both arms in our testing. Most formulas will give you an estimate of how long the effect of the repellent lasts after application. The longest-lasting bug repellent we tested was Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent.

If you still use a DEET-based repellent, this will likely be a very different experience for you. From vampires to mosquitoes, anything that wants to suck your blood will rapidly change its mind if you eat a few cloves a day. Most people don’t want to do that, however, but it’s easy to plant garlic instead.

The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization focused on environmental and health issues, also offers detailed, well-supported research on repellent chemicals, which we reviewed. While Modern Pest’s comprehensive approach and innovative solutions are commendable, the specificity of their services to the New England region limits their availability to a broader customer base. This geographical constraint might be a downside for those outside of its service areas.

This company is a great choice for those who appreciate verifiable experiences from other customers and for any northeastern homeowner who suffers with invasive pests. Terminix earns our recommendation for its exceptional termite control services, extending well beyond simple extermination. The company’s comprehensive approach, including its Nix & Fix program, which offers substantial damage protection up to $250,000, showcases its commitment to resolving termite issues effectively.

So, just set this 23-ounce triple-wick candle in an outdoor area and watch as it repels mosquitoes and other flying insects by creating a repellent barrier for up to 50 hours. You'll get best results within 3 feet, but can burn several candles to maximize the perimeter protection. Just make sure to place the candles at least 18 inches apart and keep them out of reach of children or pets. The EPA doesn’t allow the use of the terms “natural” or “naturally” on the label of any registered pesticide product “because the terms cannot be well defined and may be misconstrued as safety claims,” a spokesperson said.

This second cap also guarantees that the repellent won’t accidentally be set off while stuffed in a backpack or beach bag. We did not test for efficacy of the individual repellents, for a few reasons. First, there are simply too many variables to consider to make any sweeping statements on repellency. This EPA-approved picaridin formula is safe and effective, and it comes in a bottle that’s better than that of competitors at spraying evenly and accurately. Make sure the company you choose can accommodate services in your location.

This device is designed for large rooms but is also safe for cats and dogs. It varies in volume and frequency, ensuring pests don’t become immune to its ultrasonic waves. These pest repellers are extremely compact, so they’re attractive enough for the home plus easy to pack in a suitcase for travel. And, since they emit ultrasonic frequencies that a human can’t hear, they should not disrupt sleep. The only issue is that these devices—like most ultrasonic devices—cannot penetrate furniture or other solid items, meaning users will have to get creative with where they plug them in.

Sticky traps for water bugs can usually be purchased at hardware or garden stores. According to the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, putting out traps can help homeowners monitor the extent of their water bug infestation. Homeowners will need to check the traps at least once per day, replacing them as needed.